| The current dissertation employed the Comprehensive System (CS) (Exner, 1969, 1974, 1978; Exner, J. E., Jr., 1991, 1993, 2001; Exner & Weiner, 1995) for the Rorschach to examine the degree of similarity or difference in modal patterns of response to the inkblots by a Japanese sample in comparison to the American norms used in the CS. Data from the CS (2001) by Exner (N=600) was used. The Japanese sample was obtained from Kwansei University; 42 people (20 males and 22 females) were drawn from those who volunteered to be tested. Mean age and education for the Japanese sample were 18.88 and 12.43 years, respectively. Nine Rorschach variables were chosen for this study, because these variables are well defined, interactive, and scored easily and reliably. To control type II error, Bonferroni correction (Bonferroni, 1936) was used to calculate an appropriate alpha (p) level; p < .005 was used for all z tests and one-sample two-tailed t tests calculated with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) (SPSS, Incorporated, 2005). Contrary to this study's hypotheses, the Japanese sample showed a similar number of human movements as the Exner's normative data. However, Japanese showed statistically significantly fewer average color responses. Statistically significant results were obtained in the number of animal movement, Egocentricity Index, space responses, and Popular responses. There was no statistically significant difference in the number of inanimate movements and whole human content. In general, the Japanese subjects seemed to be reserved, serious, and stubborn individuals. They showed similar skills in reasoning and conceptualizing but less reactivity to emotional situations. Also, as compared to the subjects in the American norms, the Japanese seemed to be more socialized, self-sacrificing, and introverted individuals who are less likely to act out their emotions or impulses than their American counterparts. The current dissertation demonstrated the importance of constructing specific norms or Japanese population instead of relying on the Exner's normative data, as well as the potential usefulness of Rorschach as an assessment instrument in Japan. |
